just wondering if it can be done

[hotrodder]

Using a s-10 chassis seems to be a real popular swap with the 47-54 truck builders, so is it possible to use a s-10 chassis swap for the 60-66 builds? I have a 66 daily driver that goes rain-sleet-snow, or whatever, and know of a truck minus a frame, just wondering

[chevyrestoguy]

In a nutshell, the frame is too short and the track width is waaaay too narrow. Not worth the effort, in my opinion. You would have to stretch it in every direction, and in the end, you'll still have to make cab, bed, and core support mounts. The brakes are also too small to effectively stop a 4500lb truck, and the rear axle will destroy itself pretty quick if you put anything over 350 horsepower to it on a regular basis.

[hotrodder]

So the later model truck frames are the way to go?

[joedoh]

98 s10 frame. extended the front control arms 4" per side. the rear I left narrow and can tuck some serious tire. the small chevy pattern rally wheels make a lot of people pause....

so yes. it can be done.

[tincan1966]

Any combination is possible, given the effort and fabrication required.
Is it easy, NO, not at all, as I am sure joedoh will attest to.
There are lots of projects started with great intentions, but do to limited skills, time and the ever mighty $$$ needed to successfully complete, they get tossed aside.

With the ever growing amount of parts available, there isn't really a need to swap out an entire chassis.
A lot of the guys here will chime in, I am sure.
MY opinion is stick with the '60-66 chassis for easy of installation of the body parts and upgrade accordingly by what you are wanting to do with the truck.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

With the ever growing amount of parts available, there isn't really a need to swap out an entire chassis.

this is true, if you have the budget for it. 1100 bucks for just the front crossmember is the way to go for some guys; not me though.

[Captainfab]

I see absolutely no reason to change the frame......BTDT and it's not worth the work. Just keep your original frame (for several reasons) and upgrade the suspension to fit your needs. You can use the '73-'87 suspension, steering and brake parts, or any of the many many aftermarket offerings. There are upgrades available for the '73-'87 suspension, steering and brakes as well.

[joedoh]

I dont advocate it by itself, the 60s frame is set up for a v8 already and there is lots of aftermarket parts you can buy and some factory parts that work if you are more inclined. keep in mind that he is starting with a truck with no frame, at least the way I read it, so finding a swb frame of the right year is going to be light years harder than finding a longbed s10 chassis.

but I started with a 62 torsion swb frame in poor shape. in the swap I got highway gears, overdrive, AC and heat, EFI, a frame mounted gas tank, updated wiring, delay wipers, power disc front brakes, new floorboards, and tilt wheel. read this forum for how many questions are centered around those upgrades.

I have a 4.3 longbed 99 s10 here for the next project, maybe a 56 4dr wagon that has a rotted frame or the lower third is missing? a 55-59 chevy truck? or maybe a 48-52 ford f1. it will be done the same way, keep the firewall and all systems, drivetrain intact, and hang the old body over it. the fears over not enough brakes or weight are just that, fears, the longbed s10 weighs 3600lbs and is rated to tow ~2000 lbs on its stock brakes. I did the dual piston upgrade and the brakes will put you through the windshield.

[hotrodder]

The reason I was asking is there is no frame for the body parts. The previous owner took the frame to be sandblasted and while there it seemed to disappear! He is fed up with the whole thing and wants to bail out. The body parts have all been worked and primed, with new old stock front fenders. I know where a s-10 truck is that runs good but the truck has been totaled.

[19666Trucker]

Then do it get cheap say you did it if you believe you got fab skill and tools so it .
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[Clyde65]

You would be miles ahead if you look for a 63-66 frame and then upgrade it to disc brakes and power steering.

Look on the for sale on the forum or ask if someone knows where to find one, btw short or long wheel base?
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[hotrodder]

IT IS A SHORT WHEELBASE. THANK TO EVERYONE THAT HAS RESPONDED SO FOR.

[b.sharp]

I have a 72 frame that I'm going to use the 5 lug stuff from if you want to go that route. I can also put the 6 lug stuff back on it. It is a swb frame and you would only have to modify the front end and move the rear cab mounts. I am not that far from you either. If interested pm me and we'll see what we can do.
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